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Main Forums => Watch Reviews => Topic started by: sidestreaker on March 01, 2015, 12:11:30 PM

Title: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on March 01, 2015, 12:11:30 PM
Just want to share some pictures of my latest addition and what has been on my wrist recently. In the past couple of years I have already been collecting a number of dress watches and some would consider 'safe' choices. A pilot watch seems like a logical first step for me to add in a luxury sporty watch in my collection.

In the process of making that choice, I have spent many hours browsing through the many models of similar designs of all the fliegeruhr available in the market, produced by more than one manufacturer out there. I can safely say that most pilot watches out there look pretty good and can similarly gives you a strong wrist presence. Though they all look very similar and share the same aesthetic, but in terms of specification, the IWC big pilot stands out from the rest of the crowd with its 7 days PR, soft iron cage and with the heritage of the model behind it.

I've been eyeing on the IWC Big Pilot for a while now. However, the price really held me back as it is rather expensive for what it is. There are many used and grey market dealers out there but I'd like to have something with a full warranty and can give me a peace of mind.

It was a rare opportunity that I bump into an AD that offered a very attractive price, attractive enough for me to consider this being reasonable. I went home, discussed it with my wife, pondered over it for a couple of days and went back to seal the deal.

Here are some pictures to tell the rest of the story...

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150222_113830_zpskv0rw633.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150222_113830_zpskv0rw633.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114029_zpspl6oxs3f.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114029_zpspl6oxs3f.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114102_zpsxcq0tuke.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114102_zpsxcq0tuke.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114339_zpsehaeralj.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114339_zpsehaeralj.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114405_zpsexst2c1t.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114405_zpsexst2c1t.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114550_zpsqh8ss6s4.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150222_114550_zpsqh8ss6s4.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150122_212549_zps0b4abfqv.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150122_212549_zps0b4abfqv.jpg.html)

It was with me for most part for CNY  ;D ;D

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/IMAG9234_zpsshzk3gpn.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/IMAG9234_zpsshzk3gpn.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150227_123130_zpswbqosx3t.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150227_123130_zpswbqosx3t.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/2015-02-27%2010.00.54_zpsy4scpmmt.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/2015-02-27%2010.00.54_zpsy4scpmmt.jpg.html)

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150214_125821_zpsxfxcbivr.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150214_125821_zpsxfxcbivr.jpg.html)

My wrist is only at 6.5" but rather flat on the top, with not much of flesh underneath. However, it does sits rather comfortably. in fact more comfortable than most bracelet watches which I've tried. The (really) thick leather strap balances the look and secures it firmly on the wrist, without much wobbling and lost of balance. The larger deployant buckle also helps.

Quick observation= Overall time gain average at +4 per day or less. +6 when PR is high. 

With this watch, I'm really getting out of my comfort zone and took a risk in wearing a 46mm with long lugs and a thick case. However, after wearing it for a while, it feels like I've made the right choice and I'm totally happy with it. Wrist presence is great, clarity and simplicity of the dial and time telling is fantastic.

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150122_212155_zpsbfi0ltb3.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150122_212155_zpsbfi0ltb3.jpg.html)

A comparison with my other favourite, a 39mm GS… perhaps the only 2 brands I’ll ever need…

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150131_221850_zpsocqdock2.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150131_221850_zpsocqdock2.jpg.html)

The BP has a solid caseback, but shown here is the current IWC's own 7-days 50000 caliber which powers it. With the newer double barrel 7-days which has been announced early this year, could this BP be the last variation of this caliber model? Only time will tell...

Score
1.   Design  8/10
I love every bit of it. Some may look at it as an overly simplistic watch for what IWC is asking for, but for me, the simplicity and its somewhat crude aesthetic is refreshing.

2.   Durability 8/10
The operating manual of the Big Pilot suggests that it can take a bit more punishment than other watches within its stable. It does feel solid and conveys that confidence to the wearer. 

3.   Accuracy 8/10
Fair. Average of +4 per day

4.   Size and comfort 7/10
Not something that you’ll wear under the sleeves or cuffs, but definitely for the weekends!

5.   Legibility 9.5/10
The Big Pilot is designed for a purpose, and that is legibility. I can still give you the exact time, while running away from zombies or enduring a devastating earth quake.

6.   Ease of operation 8/10
Adjusting time and date is a breeze with the diamond crown. Can’t get any simpler than this. 

7.   Calibre 8/10
It’s the standard current caliber 51111 with 7 days power reserve, complete with pellaton winding system, soft iron cage, and shock absorber (as said in the manual,?). 

8.   Craftsmanship 6/10
Simple and well executed. Let’s be real, printed dial, brush surface and large hands aren’t exactly what we call fine craftsmanship in horology. But for what it is, it’s pretty darn good, and well put together.

9.   Value 6/10
I’ll be fair using the RRP to evaluate this. If it wasn’t for the deal I got from the AD, I’d still be pondering on acquiring this! 

10.   After-sales service n/a
New watch but so far my service relationship with IWC has been good. 

Average – 7.6/10

(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv272/sidestreaker/Timepiece/500901/20150122_214521_zpsgropkxt0.jpg) (http://s691.photobucket.com/user/sidestreaker/media/Timepiece/500901/20150122_214521_zpsgropkxt0.jpg.html)

Thanks for reading!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Clicko on March 01, 2015, 01:55:37 PM
Nice watch and I really like your straight forward review with ratings  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: meoramri on March 01, 2015, 02:26:43 PM
Good review!


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Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Yikkie on March 01, 2015, 08:50:22 PM
Very nice and honest review bro!  Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  Love the Big Pilot... But as you have mentioned, the price is very prohibitive for what it is. Glad that you were able to get it at a great discount! Wear in good health bro!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Shiang on March 01, 2015, 09:43:32 PM
Great write up. I got to know the Big Pilot much better.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on March 02, 2015, 08:34:12 AM
Cheers guys!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: splee on March 03, 2015, 06:01:08 AM
Thank you for sharing with us your honest and objective review of the IWC BP. Enjoy your new watch.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Ek lex on March 03, 2015, 06:12:18 PM
Nice catch buddy!

Yes it does look big at the moment, 10-20 years down the road you will benefit from the legibility of it! Wear in good health buddy!  :Cheers:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on March 04, 2015, 09:47:48 AM
Nice catch buddy!

Yes it does look big at the moment, 10-20 years down the road you will benefit from the legibility of it! Wear in good health buddy!  :Cheers:

If it's big now, it'll always be big! However, I heard that IWC will even reduce some of the Pilot sizes in the next iteration of their update of this line soon, maybe starting with the ceramic watches.

10-20 years! I hope I can still retain most part of my youth and does not rely on further visual aid! Haha!

But yes, that statement does suggest one thing for sure, this watch is for keeps!

Bila yum cha?

Thank you for sharing with us your honest and objective review of the IWC BP. Enjoy your new watch.

Thank you for the kind words. Again the number is just an objective way of scoring and there's no way of quantifying emotions.

In this case, it's getting a lot of wrist time!  ;D
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Ek lex on March 06, 2015, 09:55:23 PM
Nice catch buddy!

Yes it does look big at the moment, 10-20 years down the road you will benefit from the legibility of it! Wear in good health buddy!  :Cheers:

If it's big now, it'll always be big! However, I heard that IWC will even reduce some of the Pilot sizes in the next iteration of their update of this line soon, maybe starting with the ceramic watches.

10-20 years! I hope I can still retain most part of my youth and does not rely on further visual aid! Haha!

But yes, that statement does suggest one thing for sure, this watch is for keeps!

Bila yum cha?

Thank you for sharing with us your honest and objective review of the IWC BP. Enjoy your new watch.

Thank you for the kind words. Again the number is just an objective way of scoring and there's no way of quantifying emotions.

In this case, it's getting a lot of wrist time!  ;D


Anytime buddy, just give me a buzz when you come up north, please bring along the new toy for me to admire...  :Cheers:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: D'Andy on March 08, 2015, 10:32:14 AM
Thanks for an intriquing review, mate...
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: treason on March 12, 2015, 02:58:21 PM
Thanks for the review! One of my dream watches but felt humongous the last time I tried it on..strangely I now have a 45mm Radiomir and I've gotten used to the size so maybe its time to try the big pilot on again!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: liy3ng3n on March 17, 2015, 01:05:54 PM
I now have a Rolex Master II, Im thinking to change to IWC.. IWC just looked too elegant !
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Spider boy on March 18, 2015, 10:48:29 AM
Nice pilot and a great review , pictures are clear and points made simple and straight forward  !  one day i will want to this on my wrist..  :thumbsup: !
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: cyclop20 on April 23, 2015, 11:28:41 AM
(http://i60.tinypic.com/20jjnll.jpg)

the pilot that I could afford... lol, good review! nice picture! well done!

[no soliciting messages - forum mods]
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: theseira on May 20, 2015, 07:36:15 AM
This watch is damn cool!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
very good review!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: nikfs1881 on May 21, 2015, 02:37:25 AM
Agreed....very good review and super nice watch......


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Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: watchfreak on July 10, 2015, 11:03:11 PM
Great review & indeed a handsome purchase.

Do u mind pm me which AD u went to? Thinking of getting an IWC too
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: artyca on July 19, 2015, 08:09:22 PM
Thanks for the great review of an iconic watch!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: tatte on February 28, 2016, 06:38:53 AM
 Super review. Great watch with brilliant heritage.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Timeless on February 29, 2016, 10:17:23 AM
great review with details, explored from 0-100 comprehensively
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: luffyandboa on March 03, 2016, 10:09:19 PM
very very nice watch
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: cheongwenjun on March 08, 2016, 05:10:03 PM
awesome design, should get one in the future too! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: hotshothunk on March 15, 2016, 03:29:20 PM
the best pilot watch out there for those into large wrist watches
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: RichGoD on March 21, 2016, 12:39:07 PM
Nice watch u have.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: megPrez on April 01, 2016, 06:27:32 AM
sidestreaker,

awesome piece...

none does pilot watches better than iwc.. congrats for a great piece.

that caseback exhibition piece looks awesome too
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: jwwf316 on April 05, 2016, 03:59:46 PM
Great watch you have!

By the way Guys, recently i just got myself another collection, EPOS Sportive Pilot PVD Black Watch - 3398. The design is "so" alike IWC Pilot Chrono. Wondering are they having the same designer... ???
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: cheongMike on April 15, 2016, 06:54:16 AM
i super like this watch......great watch.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: hemah on May 23, 2016, 05:11:51 PM
This watch is damn cool!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
very good review!

Very nice watch!
Title: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: DanIWCBP on June 08, 2016, 03:25:24 PM
Great choice! Mine says hi...

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160608/ab5a0f48b817af23072298b1f228c973.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160608/25beb9279325c76c0faaa844e4890431.jpg)
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: elado249 on June 09, 2016, 03:52:24 AM
Nice watch. The beast!

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: asimo on June 09, 2016, 07:47:55 AM

thinking of getting an entry level MARK XVIII, maybe should save up the $$$ for this...  :laugh:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Casperity on June 12, 2016, 12:21:32 PM
What a nice pilot watch !!! So wish to get one in future !!!!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on July 25, 2016, 07:10:44 PM
Great choice! Mine says hi...

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160608/ab5a0f48b817af23072298b1f228c973.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160608/25beb9279325c76c0faaa844e4890431.jpg)

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: jiaren on August 18, 2016, 10:47:57 PM
Beautiful watch. The case diameter is big for most of IWC watch.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: leonggyooi on October 04, 2016, 07:55:23 PM
Once u r on a big watch it's so hard to wear a smaller Watch again..I havw the PO 45mm and was thinking of a gmt master but it's so small..now looking at iwc..
Title: IWC Big Pilot 500901
Post by: Missgrible on November 30, 2016, 04:54:38 PM
My fav IWC AQua for sure.

I looked at these several times in ADs
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: carlcox on January 18, 2017, 04:29:15 PM
Good review ! I'm actually fall in love with this watch too !!!


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Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: i1brich on February 09, 2017, 02:14:26 PM
In-depth review of a watch. Welldone!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Seiko2012 on February 23, 2017, 07:20:40 PM
nice watch u have.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: mzsrn7 on March 29, 2017, 07:01:38 AM
Nice read, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Dantbk on April 07, 2017, 04:29:39 PM
Fantastic,  Couldn't be a more thorough review than this.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: yinho on April 10, 2017, 06:18:07 PM
+4 and -6s for a movement with 7 days power reserve is astonishing. My pilot chrono also get similar accuracy. IWC really make their movement well. The only drawback is that I felt their case uses softer iron, somehow easily cause a ding when knock to something.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: peteryong on August 12, 2017, 08:50:08 AM
Nice watch you have there!

I've got a IWC spitzfire. the earlier version.
Persoally I think IWC is a nice classy sport watch. but yea the steel is bit soft and mechanics a little delicate.
Recently i sent my watch in for a full overhaul. Cost me about RM2200. but giving me a 3 years warranty.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on September 28, 2017, 12:38:45 PM
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4360/37318631476_5e433e3526_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YRHJYC)

Hard to imagine it has already been 2 years since I've owned this. How time flies. Above is a recent picture.

It my daily watch for these couple of years, and have proudly collected all sorts of scratches and dings from bumps and everyday use in countless adventures. Feels naked without it.  In fact, the very first scratch on the deployant buckle was from the seat-belt buckle during one of my flights. How appropriate :)

I'm not sure about some comments here about the iron being softer than other watches. It does attract more scratches due to the brushed surface, but softer? Hmmm. Anyone can share evidence or article regarding this?

Accuracy is still more or less the same. I find that resting the watch with the crown up reduces time gain overall.

Here's to many more years to come :) (https://flic.kr/p/YRHJYC)
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: firewire on May 27, 2018, 06:26:58 PM
Thanks for doing a review. I see you have it in a hotel desk clock mode.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on May 29, 2018, 12:48:11 PM
Thanks for doing a review. I see you have it in a hotel desk clock mode.

Also in Yum Cha mode sometimes,  ;D

here's another IW5009. Might do a review on this someday. Cheers

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/829/40418667720_1efa8256f6_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24zEeKo)
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: dstudio10 on July 06, 2018, 05:15:52 PM
can only envy ... big pilot is my fav pilot watch ...
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: ethan89 on September 14, 2018, 09:16:15 AM
Thanks for a very detailed review.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Dantbk on November 25, 2018, 11:49:34 AM
top of my bucket list. But how does it feel wearing a 46mm watch?
I simply feel shy to attract unwanted attention
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: sidestreaker on November 29, 2018, 05:10:25 PM
top of my bucket list. But how does it feel wearing a 46mm watch?
I simply feel shy to attract unwanted attention

My same thoughts exactly before I picked up the watch. After I put in on my wrist, I just didn't give a damn.  ;D
It will attract SOME attention, but so far, good ones for me (compliments).

Now I feel naked without it.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: cn9a on December 29, 2018, 04:09:58 PM
definitely one of my all time favorite watch, not easy to pull it off though
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Horologist on January 10, 2019, 08:46:19 AM
Impressive review, so much of details here.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: haziqdzafer on January 25, 2019, 01:11:38 PM
John Mayer has joined the forum
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: hadi9802 on February 14, 2019, 06:41:11 PM
Wow, great review! Super detail! Nice watch, just too big for my small wrist, too bad.


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Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: gather12345 on February 17, 2019, 08:47:39 AM
I am always a big fan of big IWC pilot watches.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: max1984 on March 12, 2019, 06:18:49 PM
Cannot go wrong with IWC pilot watches
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: jamestan119 on March 15, 2019, 01:55:49 PM
tha crown looks crazy!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: vince78 on February 08, 2020, 12:11:58 PM
please advice , i have been eyeing to buy this watch , pre owned, but recently the pre own price of this watch kept dropping , is there a reason ? or is there a impending new model launching soon ?
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: ace5601 on October 13, 2020, 09:39:03 AM
looking great!
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: cyclop20 on November 19, 2020, 11:36:49 AM
I find that the blue is very nice to looking at
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: kinteru on November 23, 2020, 10:30:07 AM
That is a clock. In a good way.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Gary30624700 on April 23, 2021, 04:35:28 PM
choose your own gf, food, watch, car is a personal taste, that cant be criticized.

Enjoy~~~~~~
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: mikench on April 29, 2021, 06:07:00 PM
Have a colleague who was wearing one. Definitely gets attention. But I was really taken by the depth of the black on the face. Sucks light in like a black hole.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Champ66 on June 19, 2021, 08:12:12 PM
This watch look good on bigger wrist ppl
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: Hansyong on May 24, 2022, 04:55:32 PM
A grail piece. Would love to be able to own one in the future.
Title: Re: IWC Big Pilot - 500901
Post by: hoho1111 on September 19, 2023, 07:04:50 PM
Awesome review! Love the watch but it’s way too big for me imo. I also have the same wrist size as you and I don’t have the confidence to pull it off haha